Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 10755, Elijah Downs, Conn

SERVICE
NUMBER
born
Downs, Elijah Ruth
W. 10755-
CONTENTS
7

6.412 Connecticut. Ruth Downs, dec d , widow of Elijah Downs Con n who served in the Revolutionary
war, as a private
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 20. Dollars 00
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848. and end 9 th February 1855.
Certificate of Pension issued the 26 th day of Jany. 1857. and sent to
W. H. Clark. New Haven Ct.
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 2, 1848, Page 177. Vol. 96

Dec 2 July 1841
32.957
Connecticut Elijah Downs, decd of Litchfield in the State of Conn. who was a Private in the Company commanded by Captain [blank] of the Regt commanded by Col [blank] in the Revolution line for six months
Inscribed on the Roll of Hartford at the rate of 20 Dollars 00 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831. J Ennis 22 July 1841
Certificate of Pension issued the 10 th day of Decr 1857 and sent to Allen Mead Esq Arrears to the 4th of Hartford. Semi-annual allowance ending Oct.
Revolutionary Claim, } Act June 7, 1832. } Recorded by Weightman Clerk, Book E. 2 Vol. 3. Page 9

State of Connecticut County of Litchfield
Probate District of New Milford ss:
On this 24 th day of January A.D. 1835 personally appeared in Open Court before the Court of Probate for said District now sitting at New Milford in said District & County Elijah Downs a resident of said New Milford aged seventy six years last December who being first duly sworn according to Law, doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision of the Act of Congress passed June 7 th 1832
That he intnd the service of the United States under the following named Officers & Services as herein stated
That he was drafted as a private the latter part of October 1778 at said New Milford for the term of two months, that he first marched to Stamford where he remained three or four days and then marched to Byron River at which place and in that neighborhood he remained till he was finally discharged. After the expira-

tion of the two months for which he was drafted, he & others soon requested to remain longer as no troops had arrived to relieve them and in pursuance of such request he & others remained two weeks longer making in the whole two months & a half and was honorably dis- -missed some time in the month of January 1777. The day of the month he cannot now recollect but he is confident that the whole length of the service was not less than two & a half months . He was recalled being then at the time the battle of Trenton was fought - Elias Mower was Captain of the company to which he (the declarant) belonged there was no Lieutenant. Noble Hens was Ensign. Ezra Buttspru was orderly sergeant & Matthew Brinson was a sergeant. Graft Wooster commanded a Corps of three Regiments Col. Mowry commanded the Regt. to which he (the declarant) belonged. General Congdon was Lieut. Col. & Daniel H. Brinson was adjutant - At the time he was dismissed he has no written discharge. He knows of no other person living by whom he can prove the part of his service. All who were with

him at the time, so far as his knowledge extends are dead - He has endeavoured to find proof of this part of his service & has been diligent in his inquiries for that purpose but has not been able to find it -
In April 1777, at the time @onbury was burnt, he went as a Volunteer to that place and pursued the enemy from that place to Compa- and was with General Wooster when he was mortally wounded at Ridgefield. The Skirmish with the enemy commenced a little out of @onbury and continued to Ridgefield He was in the service at this time  five days he is certain & believes six - Col. Huntington he believes was there - He has no proof of this service & he knows of no person living by whom he can prove it. (Elisha Bortle) whom was a Lieutenant at the time - & he (the deft) intended to have taken his deposition but he is now deceased & was unable to give his deposition for some time previous to his death -
That in the forepart of October 1777 he was drafted at said Mansfield as a private for two months & marched to Ridgefield and was

then to remain till further orders but as no orders arrived he marched to the North river and was then stationed and was then stationed at Fishkill, Poughkeepsie Pikekill & finally marched to Red Bank where he remained a few days & then set to Fishkill at which place he was honorably discharged one month before the expiration of the draft having served during this time one month - A man by the name of Bronson was Lieut & Matthew Bronson was Sergeant He refers to the Affidavits of Reuben Bronson he is annexed as proof of a part of his service -
That in the months of March & April 1781 he was drafted at said Newmilford & marched to New York where he remained the service of the United States as a private one month - W m Gaylord was Captain Gideon Noble was Lieutenant - Benjamin Mygatt was Ensign - Reuben Bronson was orderly. Lieut General Cornwall had command of the troops along the shore at that time. As proof of this part of his service he refers to the Affidavits of

Richard Branson and Horace Bondman him to be married
That in the latter part of September in the year 1781 he was drafted at said Bedford and marched to Norwalk and was stationed there and at Sagg Harbor being in the East part of Norwalk where he remained & served in the service of the United States one month & a half in a Company of Artillery commanded by Capt Aaron Burtwick - in which David Ruggles was orderly sergeant - he was honorably discharged but had no written discharge - as proof of this service he submits herewith the affidavits of Levi Taylor John Taylor
His whole service amounts to one month & 5 days -
He was born at Milford in this State on the 16 day of December 1758 & removed to this part of Milford, as he is informed when about 18 months old at which time he has ever since resided - He has a record of his age on a family Bible in his possession

He knows Solomon Bostwick & Benjamin Roberts and others residing in his neighborhood who can testify to his character for veracity & their belief of his services as a soldier of the revolution.
He hereby affirms every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present, and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the Army of any
State
Elijah Downs
Sworn to & subscribed the day & year aforesaid Athanasius Perry Judge of Probate for said District
We Enoch Huntington a Clergyman residing in S d Stockbridge and Ezra Noble residing in the same town hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Elijah Downs who has subscribed & sworn to the above declaration that we believe him to be 76 years of age; that he is respected & believed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the revolution and that we concur in that opinion.
E. Huntington
Ezra Noble
Sworn & subscribed the day & year aforesaid and the said Court do hereby declare their

opinion after the investigation of the matter and after putting the interrogatories presented by the War department that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier & served as he states - And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that Enoch Huntington who has signed the preceding certificate is a Clergyman resident in the same town of New Bedford, and that Ezra Noble who has also signed the same is a resident in the same town and is a credible person and that this State is entitled to credit Nathaniel Perry Judge of The Court of Probate for 8 th District
State of Connecticut,
District of New Bedford ss.
I William J. Stone Clerk of the Court of Probate for 8 th District do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the 8 th Court in the matter of the application of Elijah Downs for a pension - In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal of Court this 24 th day of January A.D. 1885 -
William J. Stone Clerk

State of Connecticut } Court of Probate for the County of Fairfield } District of Westport
On the 15 th day of March 1852 personally appeared before the Court of Probate for the District of Westport aforesaid in the County & State aforesaid in Open Court, it being a Court of record, Ruth Downs now a resident of said District aged eighty eight years, who being duly sworn according to law with an oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provisions of the acts of Congress passed the 3 d day of March 1843, & the 17 th day of June 1844 and the 2 d day of February 1848, and if applicable, the act of July 29 th 1848; That she is the widow of Elijah Downs formerly of New Milford in the County of Litchfield in the State aforesaid deceased, who served as a private in the War of the revolution, That according to her best knowledge & belief he belonged to the Militia & was drafted and served in the war aforesaid more than six months under Captain Ephraim Bostwick of said New Milford in the Shore guards on Long Island Sound. She cannot say at what time during the war he performed the service aforesaid.
She further declares that she was married to said Elijah Downs in the town of Dorset in the County of Fairfield aforesaid on the thirteenth day of October seventeen hundred & eighty five (1785) that her said husband died at said New Milford on the 22 d day of July 1841 - That soon after her marriage she removed to said New Milford & there lived with her said husband until the time of his death; that she also lived there after his death until within a few months last past she came to said Westport to reside; that she was not married to said Downs prior to his leaving the service but the said marriage took place previous to the first day of January seventeen hundred & ninety four, namely, at the time above stated.
She further declares that she

is now a widow and has remained a widow ever since the death of her said husband; that her said husband applied for a pension during his life, but did not receive a certificate, that since his death and within a few months last past, she has applied and obtained a certificate for what would have been allowed & coming to him had he obtained a certificate while in life. The amount awarded to her was twenty dollars a year up to the time of his death, in the whole about $207. This she has received and surrendered the certificate —
For a particular statement of all that is necessary in relation to the services of her late husband the said Elipha Dyer & for the proof thereof, and for the proof of what has been allowed to her, as above, she would refer to the papers & documents accompanying the application of her said husband and her own application, now in the Pension Office at Washington & in further proof of her marriage & the death of her husband she would refer to the same papers & documents and the papers & affidavits hereto annexed —
That she has made no other application for a pension than the one above mentioned and the present one, that she believes herself entitled to twenty dollars a year so long as she remains a widow to commence on the 4 th day of March 1843, and she claims a right thereto under the acts of Congress before mentioned — The word "of" omitted before "pension" —
Beth Dyer
Sworn to and subscribed

And said Court does hereby declare its opinion, after having investigated the matter, that the above named applicant is the widow of said Elipha Downs who was a private in the war of the rebellion and served as she states; that she is eighty eight years of age & was married to said Elipha Downs at the time she states and that he died on the 22 d day of July 1841, as she states and at the place she states; and that she has remained a widow ever since the death of her said husband.
The Court further certifies that said applicant is a credible person and her statement in her said declaration is entitled to full credit & belief -
I Frederick Beers, Clerk of the Court of Probate for the District of New Haven in the County of Fairfield and State of Connecticut do hereby certify that said Court is a Court of record, that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of said Court in the matter of the application of Ruth Downs for a pension -
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this 15 th day of March 1852 -
Frederick Beers, Clerk

State of Connecticut County of Fairfield ss.
At a Probate Court held at Westport Within and for the District of Westport in the County of Fair- field, present holding said Court on this 9 day of July 1855 William H. Root Myron W. Mason Esq. Judge Personally appeared Levi T. Downs aged 66 years a resident of Westport, in said County, Who being sworn according to law with an oath declared and say, that he is the son of Elijah Downs and Ruth his wife, that said Elijah Downs was a Soldier in the War of the Revolution and served under Capt from the day of to the day of - for a period of Months, that he was placed on the pension Rolls under the Act of 1832 at the rate of twenty dollars cts per annum payable at the Hartford Connecticut Agency - that he died on the 22 d day of July 1841 - leaving a Widow Ruth Downs, that said Ruth Downs was married to said Elijah Downs on the 13 th day of October 1785, that said Ruth Downs on the 9 th day of February 1855 leaving the following children of said Marriage Who are now living Who are all and the only children of said Elijah and Ruth Downs now living Levi T. Downs (the declarant) and Martha now the Wife of Eli Mygatt of New Milford Connecticut -
The declarant said Levi T. Downs makes this declaration in his own behalf and in behalf of his Sister said Martha Mygatt in order to obtain the amount due said Ruth Downs as the Widow of Elijah Downs from the time of the decease of said Elijah Downs to the time of her death viz the 9 th of February 1855 - commencing under the act of 1843 - for proof of said reference is made to the papers in which Elijah Downs was pensioned
Levi T. Downs

Sworn to and Subscribed before me on the day and year above Written and I hereby certify that I am personally acquainted with the declarant and know that he is a respectable and credible person and that he appears to be of the age stated -
In testimony Whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Official Seal of said Probate Court at Westport in said District on this 9. day of July AD 1856
Myles Mason Judge

Elijah Downs Born Milford December 16 th 1758 Ruth Taylor Born Norwalk June 5 th 1763
Married October 13 th 1785
Our son Elijah Welch was born September 2 nd 1786
Our son Jonathan Fitch born January 1 st 1788
Our son Levi Taylor born January 10 th 1790
Our son Elisha Seymour born December 13 th 1791
Our Daughter Martha born February 22 nd 1796
Elijah Welch died September 14 th 1807
Elisha Seymour died October 19 th 1820
Jonathan Fitch died January 5 th 1827
A.

I Levi Taylor of Wilton in the county of Fairfield and State of Connecticut being duly sworn do testify and say that I am eighty seven years of age, that Ruth Downs lately of New Milford in the county Litchfield in said State of Connecticut, now residing in said Westport is my sister, and is the widow of Elijah Downs formerly of said New Milford deceased; That I was born December fifteenth seventeen hundred and sixty four, That I was present when my said sister was married to the said Elijah Downs she was married by the Rev. Isaac Lewis then a settled minister in Wilton a Parish in the town of Norwalk in the said county of Fairfield, now deceased, I recollect that at the same time and place Hezekiah Dikeman and Esther Scribner were married. My said sister Ruth was married to the said Elijah Downs in the month of October seventeen hundred and eighty five, they were married at my Father's house in the town of Norwalk in said State of Connecticut, and further this deponent saith not
Levi his Taylor mark
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 29 th day of March 1852 - - - - -
George L. Cable Justice of the Peace
I the said Justice do hereby certify that I am personally acquainted with Levi Taylor who hath sworn to and subscribed the foregoing affidavit and that he is a credible person and that his affidavit is entitled to full credit and belief - - - - -
George L. Cable Justice of the Peace

State of Connecticut Fairfield County } ss
I Thomas Robinson Clerk of the County Court in and for the County aforesaid & Keeper of the Seal thereof and of the Commission of the Justices of the Peace for said County, do certify that George S. Cottle Esq is now & since the 4 th day of July last past has been a Justice of the Peace for said County duly appointed and acting as such, and duly authorized by the laws of this State to administer oaths and take the acknowledgment of deeds. That his official term as such Justice commences July 4 th 1857 & will expire with the 3 rd day of July 1852. And I also certify that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of said George S. Cottle & believe the several signatures to the papers hereto attached are his genuine signatures.
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and the Seal of said County Court in Norwalk this 26 th day of April A D 1852
Thomas Robinson Clerk

Rev WIDOW, &c. }
File No. 10755
Brath Downs
Wid
Elijah Downs
Prior Rev War
Act: 23 1848
Index:—Vol. a , Page 188
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Wro 9694 Ruth Dorrons (Wife of Elijah Con)
E Sings July 28 1852. Nelson H Black Oct 23 1856.
Act 3 March 18439c

9.682 Connecticut Ruth Downs, dec d widow of Elijah, who was a private in the Revolution
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 20 Dollars 00 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the 26 th day of Jan y 1837 and sent to
W. H. Clark. New Haven.
[Acts of March 3, 1843, & June 17, 1844.]
Recorded in Book H Vol. 1 Page 153

Brief in the case of Elijah Dows. decd, late of Simsfield County and State of Connecticut act 7 June 1832
Claim, ("original," or "for increase." )
Proof exhibited, (if original.)
Is it documentary, traditional, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.
Traditionary & living witnesses (See papers of Reuben Thompson, pensioner, et act 7 June 1832
(If for increase.)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?
Name and residence of Agent.
A. Mead, Wartford CT
S. Cole Examining Clerk.

New Haven Conn
Dec. 27 1856
Sir
I addressed a letter of inquiry sometime since to the Department, for information concerning the claims of the children of Elijah Downs for pension due their Mother, the Widow of said Downs in her life time, but which she failed to draw - I rec'd your letter in reply informing me that the subject of allowing children the pension due their deceased parent was under consideration in the hands of the Secretary of the Interior - I noticed by the papers a short time since that a decision favorable to the children had been given - If the fact is so, I should be pleased to hear from the claim above referred to as soon as convenient -
Yours very Respectfully Wilson H. Clark
Mr. Genl. W. Whiting } Commr of Pensions } Washington D.C.

New Haven Conn Oct. 3d. 1858
Sir
I beg leave to inquire what action has been had in a claim for Pension in favor of the children of Elijah Dows, sometime in the early part of July last? - Elijah Dows was pensioned under the act of 1832 for services in the Revolutionary War -
Yours truly Wilson H. Clarke
W. H. J. Munt Comm r of Pensions Washington DC

New Haven Conn July 29 th 1856
Sir
Enclosed please find application of Levi P. Downs for arrears of Pension due him and his Sister Martha Mygatt as heirs at Law & children of Ruth Downs, Wid of Elijah Downs a Revolutionary Soldier —
Yours very Respectfully Wilson H. Hunt
W. Hunt Minister Pension Office Washington D.C.
Will.

Brief in the case of Ruth dec d Widow of Elijah Drown of Connecticut under the Acts of 1843, 1844 & 1848,
Years of pension were allowed her under the Acts June 7 1832 at $20 a year, for her husband's services, who died 22 July 1841.
She was married to him in 1785 as shown by the production of the original Family Record - She died on the 9 th of Feby 1855 and was entitled to a continuance of the pension under the above acts to her death.
Cohabitation, General reputation of marriage, her identity as the sol d 's widow, his & her deaths, & therein shown agreeably to our Regulations,
Send to
Wilson H Clark Esq New Haven
Cont
Thornton Dipple Examining Clerk

Ruth Downs dec d Widow of Elijah Connecticut
adm d 3 March 1843/4 $20 a year from 4 March 1843 to 9 Feb y 1833 when she drew , Pay to Levi T Downs Martha Mygatt 2 Chas m
cert s W H Clark Esq New Haven Ct.

✓ 32959
Elijah Dows, dec d Ct
Act 7 June 1832
Adm 11 mo 1832/20
Per annum, Comg
4 March 1831 Vendors,
22 July 1841, payable to his widow.
Ruth Dows.
Allen Mead Hartford Ct

STATE OF CONNECTICUT, } ss. LITCHFIELD. COUNTY OF LITCHFIELD, }
I, Gideon H. Wallington Clerk of the County Court in and for the County and State above mentioned, do hereby certify that Samuel D. Cinton
whose genuine signature appears to the accompanying instrument,
is and was, at the time of signing the same a Justice of the Peace in and for the County and State aforesaid, duly elected and sworn, and by law authorized to administer Oaths, and to take the acknowledgment of Deeds; and that all his official acts, as such, are entitled to full faith and credit: and that the aforesaid County Court is a Court of Record, having general jurisdiction.
Given under my hand and the seal of said Court at Litchfield, this 13 th day of November A. D. 1851.
Gideon H. Wallington Clerk.

State of Connecticut County of Litchfield ss
I Samuel D. Orde a Justice of the Peace in and for the County and State aforesaid do hereby certify that at a Court held before me on this 3 day of November 1851 Satisfactory Evidence was Exhibited that Elijah Downs was a resident of the County of Litchfield in the State of Connecticut, and that he died on the 22 day of July 1841 in the town of New Milford  Hartford and County and State aforesaid, that he left a Widow whose name is Ruth Downs
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set My hand this 3 day of November 1851 Samuel D. Orde Justice of the Peace

I Levi Taylor of the town of Milford County of Fairfield & state of Connecticut - Depose and say that I shall be seventy years old the 15 th of this month - That in the year 1781 I was an enlisted soldier in the shore guards under Captain Samuel Ruler of Norwalk commanded the Company in the fall of said year frequent landings were effected by the enemy and the inhabitants much distressed along shore in consequence. That the regular shore guards were thought insufficient for the protection of the inhabitants - that a company from drafted from the Companies of Militia in New Milford and other adjoining towns - was sent to our relief - said Company was commanded by a Capt o Bostwick and quartered near the residence of my father I think I recollect that Elijah Downs now of New Milford was a private in said Company Though I had no particular acquaintance with him at that time, a year or two after I became & have ever since been well acquainted with him & have often in conversation heard him speak of serving with Capt o Bostwick and being at my father's house, said Company under Capt o Bostwick I think performed about six weeks service, certainly more than one month, from circumstances related to me by said Downs I have no doubt of his having served at said time under Capt o Bostwick Though I do not distinctly recollect seeing him in said Company and further deponent says not.
Levi Taylor

State of Connecticut
Fairfield County ss Fairfield December 10 th 1834
Personally appeared Levi Taylor who hath subscribed the foregoing deposition and made solemn oath to the truth of the same before me
Alva Gray Justice of Peace
I certify that I am acquainted with Levi Taylor of Milton who has given the foregoing deposition and that his character for truth and veracity is good
Alva Gray Jus. of Peace

John Taylor of the town of Norwalk County of Fairfield & State of Connecticut depose & say that I am sixty eight years old that in the year 1781 - then fifteen years of age I took the place of Benedict Davis a private drafted from a company of Militia for the shore guards said Guard was under the command of Capt. Amos Postwick - said guards were drafted for two months service. I served in said Company of Guards One month or more until they were discharged we were stationed on the eastern part of said town of Norwalk. Elijah Downs of New-Milford in this state was a private in said Company of Guards at the time and did duty during the whole time of the service of said Company I was well acquainted with him at that time and have been ever since & further deponant saith not
John Taylor
State of Connecticut
Fairfield County ss Fairfield December 10 th
1834 Personally appeared John Taylor who hath subscribed the foregoing deposition and made solemn oath to the truth of the facts therein stated before me
Alva Gray Jus. of Peace
I certify that I am well acquainted with John Taylor who hath subscribed the foregoing deposition and that his general character is that of a man of truth & veracity
Alva Gray Jus. of Peace

State of Connecticut } Fairfield County } p. I Thomas B Osborne Clerk of the County Court within and for the County of Fairfield in the State Connecticut do hereby certify that Alva Gray Esq. is now and for more than one year last past has been a Justice of the Peace within & for the County duly commissioned & duly authorized to administer oaths & take Depositions. I further certify that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of the said Alva Gray Esquire and that I verily believe that all the signatures to the Certificates on the foregoing Depositions of Levi Taylor & John Taylor, purporting to be his are genuine. Given under my hand and the Seal of said County Court in Fairfield this 10 th day of January A D 1835. Thomas B Osborne Clerk

Connecticut
Elijah Downs
suspended
Col V Perry 1 April 1835
Elijah Downs suspended
Respectfully your father
April 1st 1835

Nutmilford Jan'y 27 th 1835
Sir - I herewith send enclosed the Pension Declaration of Elijah Downs , - Please make returns to me Your Ob't Serv't - M. Perry
Hon. J. L. Edwards Comm'r of Pensions

Ruth Downs died 13 October 1855 97 days Levi J Downs Martha my galt
Wm. J. G. Heath Committee of Penins Washington D.C.
Dec 19

Weymouth Jan y April 28 th 1852 - Hon James E Heath - Sir
I herewith transmit the application of Martha Dews for a continuation to her of the Pension allowed to her late husband Elipha Dews and paid to her in the manner stated in her declaration —
Permit me to state in substance the proof now offer —
1 st The Declaration in the usual form, with the finding of the Court certified by the Clerk under his seal of Office
2 nd For a particular statement of the services and proof thereof reference is made to the application of Elipha Dews & the subsequent application of Martha Dews in the Pension Office —
3 rd In proof of the marriage see offer —
1 st The affidavit of Sylvanus Houghton that the Parish record is lost or destroyed —
2 nd The original family record annexed to the affidavit of her I Dews in the hand writing of Elipha Dews & made more than twenty years ago, torn by the cut up himself from the family bible showing the marriage took place on the 13 th Oct 1785 —
3 rd The affidavits of David Taylor & Esther Markham both of whom were present at the marriage the former deceased in October 1785 & the latter deceased before 1792 —
4 th We prove by the affidavit of her I Dews that said Elipha Dews, died July 22 nd 1841 & that Martha Dews has remained his widow ever since. The affidavits are much more full & explicit than I have herein stated as will be seen on examination —

5 th We send also the Certificate of the Clerk of the County Court under his seal of office that George L. Cole is a true copy of the Deed & to the genuineness of his signature—
She having been married before 1794, & her husband having died in 1841 I suppose she will be entitled from the 4 th of March 1843 - We believe you will find the proceedings correct, and probably none has been done to establish the claim to have the pension continued to her, none was necessary -
With great respect
Your Obedt Servt
E. Swift

State of Connecticut County of Litchfield ps
On this 3 day of November 1857 before Me a Justice of the Peace in and for the County and State aforesaid personally appeared Ruth Downs of the town of New Milford County & State aforesaid, who being duly sworn declares and says that she is the Widow of Elijah Downs, the identical person who was a Soldier during the Wars of the Revolution, and who applied for a pension under act of June 7 th 1832 and whose claim was Suspended or Rejected, That the said Elijah Downs died on the 22 day of July 1841 leaving this declarant as his Widow
That the object of this declaration is to ask that the proofs filed by the said Elijah Downs during his life time may be examined, and that the amount now due may be allowed to the Widow of Elijah Downs
Subscribed and sworn before
Ruth Downs
Me this 3 day of November 1857
Samuel D. Orton Justice of the Peace

I Sylvanus Haight of Norwalk in the County of Fairfield and State of Connecticut of lawful age being duly sworn testify and say That from the tenth day of October eighteen hundred and ten to the fourteenth day of August eighteen hundred and thirty two I was a settled minister over the congregational church and society of Milton that said society was formerly within the limits of the town of Norwalk in said County and the Rev. Dr Isaac Lewis was then settled ordained minister. That while I was minister of said society I kept the record of the marriages. The record of the marriages celebrated by the above mentioned Dr Lewis was kept by me. That said record was on a certain occasion at my house handed to a certain gentleman by me at the his request merely to examine and while I was out of the room, I suppose they he destroyed a part of it. They He handed the record back to me when I came into the room again, and left when I afterwards examined the book I found the leaf which contained the marriages of Elijah Downs and Ruth Taylor and Hezekiah Sikeiman and Esther Scribner had been torn out, and it was never seen afterwards to my knowledge I believe the same was destroyed, and further the deponent saith not.
Sylvanus Haight.
Subscribed & sworn to the 2 d day of April 1852
Geo. L. Cable Justice of Peace
I the said Justice do hereby certify that I am personally acquainted with Sylvanus Haight who hath subscribed & sworn to the foregoing affidavit, and that he is a credible person, and that his affidavit is entitled to full credit and belief. Geo. L. Cable Justice of Peace

I Esther Morehouse of Westport in the County of Fairfield and State of Connecticut widow and relict of Stephen Morehouse formerly of said Westport deceased being duly sworn testify and say that I am in the eighty second year of my age, that Ruth Downs lately of New Milford in the County of Litchfield now residing in said Westport is my sister and is the widow of Elijah Downs formerly of said New Milford deceased. That I was born on the 22 nd day of October 1770, that I was present when my said sister was married to said Elijah Downs, she was married by the Rev. Isaac Lewis then a settled minister in Wilton a Parish in the town of Norwalk in the said County of Fairfield now deceased. I recollect that at the same time and place, Esther Scribner and Heskiah Dikeman were married. I do not now recollect the precise year or month or day of the month my sister was married, but I do know that I was not then fifteen years of age, and that it must have been before the year 1786, I was married myself in January 1792 and my said sister was married a number of years before I was, and I know she had one or more children before I was married and further this deponent saith not.
Esther Morehouse
Subscribed and sworn to before me the 29 th day of March 1852 Geo. L. Cable Justice of Peace

I the said Justice do hereby certify that I am personally acquainted with Esther Morehouse who hath subscribed and sworn to the foregoing affidavit, and that she is a credible person, and that her affidavit is entitled to full credit and belief. — — — — —
Geo. S. Cable Justice of Peace

I Levi J Downs of Westport in the County of Fairfield and State of Connecticut of lawful age being duly sworn de- -pose & say; That I am the son of Elisha Downs formerly of New Milford in the County of Litchfield & State of said Connecticut & Ruth Downs the foregoing applicant for a pension is my mother; That my Father, the said Elisha Downs died at said New Milford on the 22 d day of July 1841; That my mother the said Ruth Downs has remained a widow ever since the death of my Father; That the leaf hereto annexed marked, A I tore from what was my Father's family bible; That said leaf contains the family record of the births & marriage of my Father & mother and the time & place when & where they were born & when married and the births of their children & the deaths of those who are dead; That all the entries of births, marriage & deaths there made are in my Father's hand writing, with which I am well acquainted - The bible from which said leaf was taken, to my knowledge, has been in the family of my said Father & in his possession while he was living and in my mother's possession since his death for more than twenty years last past, and it is more than twenty years since I first saw said entries on said leaf in said bible, and I have repeatedly, at different times, seen them for this last twenty years or more,
My Father applied for a pension before his death but did not obtain a certificate. Since his death my mother applied & within a few months last past, obtained what would have been coming to my Father up to the time of his death. She is the identical person to whom as the widow of said Elisha Downs a certificate was granted as aforesaid to the amount of about $207. The amount drawn and the certificate surrendered. — Levi J Downs
Subscribed & sworn to before me this 24 th day of April A.D. 1852. — Geo. L. Cable Justice of the Peace

I the said Justice do hereby certify that I am personally acquainted with Levi P. Downs who hath subscribed & sworn to the foregoing affidavit and that he is a credible person and that his affidavit is entitled to full credit and belief - - -
Geo. S. Cable Justice of Peace

Ms. 32.959 Elijah D. Lewis
1839
Dec 31 st

State of Connecticut,
County of Litchfield,
Probate District of New Milford ss.
On this 20 th day of January A.D. 1835. Personally appeared in open Court, before the Court of Probate for said District now sitting at New Milford in said District, Reuben Bronson of said New Milford who being duly sworn according to Law doth on his oath depose and say that he is now in the seventy fourth year of his age. That from the 7 th day of October to the 30 th day of the same month 1777, he was in the service of the United States as a volunteer and served at Pikeskill. Continental Village, Fishkill. Poughkeepsie, Rhinebeck & New York and was finally discharged at Fishkill lower Barracks on the 30 th day of Oct r 1777. during the whole of the above term Elyah Downs of said New Milford who is now present was then in the service of the United States as a private. The said Downs was not in the same company with him the deponent but he at that time was, & ever since has been well acquainted with the said Downs and knows that he served the above length of time. At the time & place above mentioned. The said Downs served under Capt. Noble Hens & Lieutenant Elisha Bostwick.

who are now both deceased.
From the 14 th of March 1781 to the 14 th of April of the same year the deponent served as sergeant & substitute for Lieutenant Thayer at Norwich. He (the deponent) was orderly sergeant of the Company and the said Elijah Downs served as a private in the same Company with him (the dept) during the whole of said time. The Officers of the Company were Capt. Wm Gaylord, Lieut. Noble & Ensign Benjamin Mygatt. And further the deponent saith not. Reuben Brownson
Sworn to & subscribed the day & year aforesaid & this Court certifies that the said Reuben Brownson in all respects a good character for truth & is a credible Witness
Nathaniel Perry Judge of Probate for said District
At the same Court - Personally appeared Horace Boardman Esq. of said Middlesex who being duly sworn according to law doth on his oath depose & say that he is now in the 71 st year of his age. That in the months of March & April 1781 he was in the service of the United States as a private at Norwich.

in this State in a company in which Reuben Bronson was Ordinary Sergeant: one month and that Elijah Downs of Sturtevant was a private and served in the Company one month at Sturtevant at the same time that he (the deponent) did - and further saith not
Horner Boardman
Sworn to & subscribed the day & year aforesaid and the Court certifies that the said Horner Boardman by all means contains a good Character for truth & is a credible witness Nathaniel Perry Judge of Probate for the District
I William J. Starr Clerk of the Court of Probate aforesaid do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of said Court in taking the affidavits of Reuben Bronson & Horner Boardman by all means for the benefit of Elijah Downs as applicant for a Pension - In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal at said Court this 24 th day of January A.D. 1835 - William J. Starr Clerk

State of Connecticut County of Litchfield
On this 11 th day of July in the year 1858 before me Wilson H. Clark a Notary Public duly authorized by law to administer oaths, within and for said County and State personally appeared Eli Mygatt aged 85 years a resident of New Milford in said County and State who being sworn according to law doth on oath declare and say that he has in his possession the family bible of Elijah Deer  Deer the husband of Ruth Deer late of New Milford in said County, and that the following is a true copy of an entry of the date of the Marriage of said Ruth & Elijah viz —
"Elijah Deer Born Milford December 15 th 1758 " "Ruth Taylor Born New Milford June 5 th 1763 " "Married October 13 th 1785 "
That he is well acquainted with the hand writing of said Elijah Deer , and that said Entries were made in his own hand writing — That he knows of no public record of said Marriage —
Eli Mygatt
Sworn to and subscribed before me on the day and year above written and I certify that the affiant is a credible and respectable person & appears to be of the age stated.
Wilson H. Clark Notary Public

State of Connecticut County of Litchfield
At a Probate Court held at New Milford within and for the District of New Milford in said County of Litchfield on the 17 th day of Aug 1855 Present Presiding said Court
George Taylor — Esq r —
Judge
I hereby certify that Satisfactory Evidence has been exhibited to this Court, that Ruth Downs widow of Elijah Downs Who was a Soldier in the Revolutionary War, died at at New Milford in said District of New Milford on the 9 th day of February 1855, leaving two children viz Levi P. Downs now of Westport in the County of Fairfield, and Martha now the Wife of Eli Mygatt now of New Milford in said District, Who are all and the only children of said Elijah and Ruth Downs now living.
I witness Whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Official seal of said Probate Court, at New Milford in said District on the day and year above
Written
Geo Taylor Judge

STATE OF Connecticut COUNTY OF Litchfield
} ss. New Milford
On this 21 st day of July one thousand eight hundred and fifty- six before me Samuel D. Orton a Justice of the Peace
duly authorized by law to administer oaths, within and for said County and State, personally appeared Samuel Treadwell aged Seventy — years, a resident of the town of New Milford in said County and State, who being sworn according to law doth on oath declare and say, that he was well acquainted with Elijah Downs — of the town of New Milford in his life-time, and also with his wife Ruth Downs now deceased, that during the life-time of said Elijah Downs
I know that they cohabited and lived together as husband and wife, and had several children — and was reputed to be husband and wife and was believed to have been lawfully married I lived in the same neighborhood with Mr & Mrs Downs in their life time and was intimately acquainted with them and their family — I know that Levi T. Downs of Westport and Martha Mygatt wife of Eli Mygatt are all and the only surviving children of said Ruth & Elijah Downs now living —
I know that said Elijah Downs died at New Milford on or about the 22 d day of July 1841
I know that said Ruth Downs died at New Milford on or about the 9 th day of February 1855 and that she remained single and unmarried after the death of her said husband in said County, is single and unmarried and still remains his widow. entitle her decease
Samuel Treadwell
Sworn to and subscribed before me on the day and year above written, and I hereby certify that I know — the affiant to be a respectable person and entitled to credit for truth, and he appears to me to be of the age above stated.
Samuel D. Orton Justice of the Peace

State of Connecticut.
I, N. D. Sperry Secretary of the State of Connecticut, and Keeper of the Seal thereof, do hereby certify and make known to whom it doth or may concern, That Samuel S. Orton was from the fourth day of July, A. D. 1858 to the fourth day of July, A. D. 1858, a Justice of the Peace , within and for the County of Litchfield in said State, duly appointed and commissioned having full power and authority by the laws of said State, to take the Acknowledgment of Deeds and to certify the same; also to administer Oaths, to take Affidavits and Depositions out of Court, and to give Certifi= cates thereof; and that full faith and credit may and ought to be given to his official acts and attestations.
And I Further Certify , That I believe the foregoing signature of the said Samuel S. Orton to be genuine.
In testimony whereof , I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of said State, at Hartford, this 28 th day of July — in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty six
N. D. Sperry
Secretary of State.

STATE OF Connecticut COUNTY OF Litchfield
} ss. New Milford
On this 21 st day of July one thousand eight hundred and fifty- six before me Samuel D. Orton a Justice of the Peace
duly authorized by law to administer oaths, within and for said County and State, personally appeared Jane Treadwell aged Seventy three years, a resident of the
town of New Milford in said County and State, who being sworn according to law doth on oath declare and say, that she was well acquainted with Elijah Downs of the
town of New Milford in his life-time, and also with his wife Ruth Downs now of  deceased , that during the life-time of said Elijah Downs ,
I know that they cohabited and lived together as husband and wife, and had several children — and were reputed to be husband and wife and were believed to have been lawfully married I lived in the same neighborhood with Mr & Mrs Downs and now intimately acquainted with them I know Levi S. Downs , and Martha Mygatt wife of Eliz Mygatt are all now the only surviving children of said Ruth & Elijah Downs , now living — I know that said Elijah Downs died at New Milford on or about the 22 nd of July 1841 —
I know that said Ruth Downs died at New Milford on or about the 9 th day of February 1855 and that she remained single and unmarried after the death of her said husband till her decease — in said County, is single and unmarried and still remains his widow.
Jane Treadwell 
Sworn to and subscribed before me on the day and year above written, and I hereby certify that I know the affiant to be a respectable person and entitled to credit for truth, and she appears to me to be of the age above stated.
Samuel D. Orton Justice of the Peace

State of Connecticut.
I, N. L. Sperry Secretary of the State of Connecticut, and Keeper of the Seal thereof, do hereby certify and make known to whom it doth or may concern, That Samuel S. Orton was from the fourth day of July, A. D. 1856 to the fourth day of July, A. D. 1858, a Justice of the Peace , within and for the County of Litchfield in said State, duly appointed and commissioned having full power and authority by the laws of said State, to take the Acknowledgment of Deeds and to certify the same; also to administer Oaths, to take Affidavits and Depositions out of Court, and to give Certifi- cates thereof; and that full faith and credit may and ought to be given to his official acts and attestations.
And I Further Certify , That I believe the foregoing signature of the said Samuel S. Orton to be genuine.
In testimony whereof , I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of said State, at Hartford, this 20 th day of July in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty six
N. L. Sperry
Secretary of State.